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Alberta acid deposition management framework [2022]

Description

This framework is intended to identify potential acidification issues at an early stage and to establish a tiered approach to addressing these issues depending on their magnitude. Interpretation... More ≫

Description

This framework is intended to identify potential acidification issues at an early stage and to establish a tiered approach to addressing these issues depending on their magnitude. Interpretation of the framework is supported by the companion Handbook for Assessing Regional Acid Deposition Exceedances, which also includes an updated critical load method for industrial regulatory applications within Alberta's air management system. This record also includes a document containing stakeholder comments on the original draft framework, and Environment and Parks' responses to these comments.

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Using steady-state mass balance model to determine critical loads of acidity for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta

Description

Benchmarks for atmospheric deposition of acidifying substances for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta were developed using the steady-state mass balance (SSMB) model. The SSMB model considers both... More ≫

Description

Benchmarks for atmospheric deposition of acidifying substances for terrestrial ecosystems in Alberta were developed using the steady-state mass balance (SSMB) model. The SSMB model considers both biological response and soil buffering capacity. Alberta soil characteristics, dominant vegetation cover, run off, biomass harvest and grazing, base cation deposition and the impact of wildfires are used to derive these benchmarks or critical loads of acidity for sulphur and nitrogen deposition. This document provides critical load values necessary for acid deposition assessments carried out under the revised 2022 Acid Deposition Management Framework for Alberta. The report outlines the methods used to determine these critical load values and is a companion document to the revised framework.

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